10/13/2026
𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹
Pressure does not create everything we see in a man. Often, it reveals what was already unresolved. That is the idea behind what I call the Little Man Inside Test: When pressure shows up, what shows up in you? Is it rejection? Anger? Withdrawal? Perfectionism? Control? The adult may be sitting in the meeting, driving the car, leading the church, or talking with his wife, but an old wound may be answering. Your triggers may be the very thing running the conversation.
The Little Man Inside is not an excuse for harmful behavior. It is an invitation to understand the source of that behavior so we can take responsibility for changing it. Many men are not reacting only to the present moment. They are responding from a younger place that learned, “I am not safe,” “I am not enough,” or “I will never be abandoned or bullied again.”
This week, notice one strong reaction. Pause before defending it. Ask: How old does this feeling seem? What did this moment remind me of? What does the man I am becoming need to choose now? This is the three step process that I've developed to help men navigate this moment: One, spend time with your little man, two honor and respect him, third, grow him up.
Awareness gives you a choice. Without awareness, the wound keeps choosing for you. The stage production The Little Man Inside brought this truth from the stoop to the stage: the boy inside every man needed something, and some of us are still trying to get it through achievement, control, or silence. Healing begins when we stop shaming the boy, start listening to him, and lead him toward truth. Share this with a man who is ready to stop reacting and start responding. For speaking and partnership inquiries, visit insidereachministries.org or call 757-652-4230.
